Hyatt Hotels Corporation (the "Company" or "Hyatt") (NYSE: H) today disclosed it has executed an exclusivity agreement with Playa Hotels & Resorts N.V. ("Playa") (NASDAQ: PLYA) under which Playa has agreed to negotiate exclusively with Hyatt regarding potential strategic alternatives, which may include the acquisition of Playa by Hyatt.
Mark S. Hoplamazian, President and Chief Executive Officer of Hyatt, said, "Playa has been a valuable partner for many years, is one of the world's strongest operators of all-inclusive resorts, and owns a premier portfolio of high-quality, high-end all-inclusive resorts in iconic locations and key markets across the Caribbean and Mexico. Strategic alternatives under consideration could have compelling strategic merit to add new incremental durable fee streams for Hyatt. We remain steadfastly committed to our asset-light business model and if this process continues, we will continue to map out a clear path for an asset-light outcome for any strategic alternatives we undertake."
There can be no assurances that any transaction will result from Hyatt's exclusive discussions with Playa, or on what terms. Hyatt does not intend to comment further on these discussions unless and until a definitive agreement has been fully executed.
As required by federal securities laws, Hyatt, which is the beneficial owner of 9.99% of Playa's outstanding shares, has filed an amendment to its Schedule 13D with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to disclose these discussions.
About Hyatt Hotels Corporation
Hyatt Hotels Corporation, headquartered in Chicago, is a leading global hospitality company guided by its purpose - to care for people so they can be their best. As of September 30, 2024, the Company's portfolio included more than 1,350 hotels and all-inclusive properties in 79 countries across six continents. The Company's offering includes brands in the Luxury Portfolio, including Park Hyatt®, Alila®, Miraval®, Impression by Secrets, and The Unbound Collection by Hyatt®; the Lifestyle Portfolio, including Andaz®, Thompson Hotels®, The Standard®, Dream® Hotels, The StandardX, Breathless Resorts & Spas®, JdV by Hyatt®, Bunkhouse® Hotels, and me and all hotels; the Inclusive Portfolio, including Zoëtry® Wellness & Spa Resorts, Hyatt Ziva®, Hyatt Zilara®, Secrets® Resorts & Spas, Dreams® Resorts & Spas, Hyatt Vivid Hotels & Resorts, Sunscape® Resorts & Spas, and Alua Hotels & Resorts®; the Classics Portfolio, including Grand Hyatt®, Hyatt Regency®, Destination by Hyatt®, Hyatt Centric®, Hyatt Vacation Club®, and Hyatt®; and the Essentials Portfolio, including Caption by Hyatt®, Hyatt Place®, Hyatt House®, Hyatt Studios, and UrCove. Subsidiaries of the Company operate the World of Hyatt® loyalty program, ALG Vacations®, Mr & Mrs Smith, Unlimited Vacation Club®, Amstar DMC destination management services, and Trisept Solutions® technology services.